Home Allergens

Part 1

What are home allergens? These are irritants to your immune system found in your home which cause you to experience an allergic reaction. Irritants are caused by particles that your body considers as ‘foreign’ or not belonging to your body. An example of an outdoor allergen is grass pollen.

In Your Home

Building materials and interior products are associated with the rise in allergies. You naturally spend more time inside during cooler weather and may think your allergy problems will stop once indoors. This is something I personally count on during the summer months with grass and tree pollen!

Unfortunately a percentage of you will still suffer with similar allergic symptoms all year long in interior environments BUT from different sources. These indoor air allergens become trapped inside your home especially when it is cold as all of the windows, doors, vents etc are closed. This increases the risk of allergic reactions as the airborne particle levels become concentrated. Levels of allergens vary during the year; dust mites flourish in the summer and in the winter your home will probably be tightly sealed against the cold and wet elements.

Sources of indoor air allergens are: VOCs, fumes, gases, fine particles e.g. dust, dust mites, pet dander, insects e.g. cockroaches, fungal spores and mould spores.

Of these dust is the largest contributor to causing allergic reactions and sparking off symptoms. Dust in your home is made up of fine particles from sources such as; human skin/hair, pet dander (dead skin cells), textile fibres, dead insects, food particles, outdoor soil and plant fibres.

Your Health

Symptoms of indoor air allergies are: sneezing, itchy/watery/bloodshot eyes, itchy/runny nose, itchy nose, itchy/sore/swollen throat, feeling dizzy, coughing, wheezing, breathing problems, asthma, lethargy, tiredness, headaches, skin irritation and stomach complaints.

When the allergens come into contact with your body, this causes an allergic reaction. This may be in your nose, eyes, lungs, throat and on your skin. The allergic reaction causes a chain of events in your body which try to deal with the allergens. The result is developing typical hypersensitivity symptoms as noted above. The onset of symptoms can be immediate or some hours after exposure. Exposure will continue all the while you are in contact with the source.

What can you do?

• As with all symptoms, please consult with your doctor for expert advice on how to cope with the symptoms of home allergens.
• Get tested by an immunologist for allergens to determine the exact cause e.g. pet dander.
• Once you know the cause, reduce exposure to the allergen.
• Fresh, constant and natural air ventilation will help disperse high concentration levels of allergens in your home. Keep your windows and vents open as much as possible (depending on whether you suffer with hayfever from exterior allergen sources).

View part 2 of indoor allergens.......